Iconic Secunderabad Station Getting a ₹700-crore Facelift
Secunderabad, Telangana - The iconic Secunderabad Railway Station is set to undergo a massive upgrade worth ₹700 crore, which is expected to be completed by 2026. According to sources, around 27% of the work has been executed so far.
The South Central Railway (SCR) has initiated the demolition of the station's main terminal buildings to address long-standing infrastructural issues, including plumbing deficiencies and passenger amenities in 180 trains. The station gets a daily footfall of 1.5 lakh commuters.
The railway authorities plan to construct terminal buildings on both the northern and southern sides, featuring a double-storey sky concourse with retail outlets, cafeterias, and passenger amenities. Multi-level parking on the northern side and underground parking on the southern side are also in the works.
Upon completion, the modern station is expected to streamline passenger movement, reduce operational bottlenecks, and improve the travel experience. (Source: The Hindu, The New Indian Express)
Technology Turning Waste to Wealth
A technology developed by CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, can transform pathogenic biomedical waste into valuable soil additives. The rig will be set up and commissioned at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
The technology can process 400 kg daily, with an initial capacity to handle 10 kg of degradable medical waste. Biomedical waste generation accounts for about 743 tonnes every day in the country. Conventional methods of disposal lead to the release of carcinogenic pollutants and cause health and environmental risks.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
BIAL Targets 115 Million Passengers Annually
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) aims to fly high with 115 million passengers annually. Phase 2 work on Terminal 2 is underway, and the airport currently connects to 75 domestic and 30 international destinations.
The company hopes to increase international traffic from 15% today to 22-25%, making it South India's hub for international flights.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
Chennai’s Canals to Get ₹94-cr Boost
Chennai's canals are set for a complete overhaul at ₹94.34 crore, said the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). The project aims to address flooding issues, improve water flow, and upgrade the city's canal system.
The Verangal Odai canal in Velachery is an important watercourse that collects rainwater in Adambakkam Lake and flows towards the marshland. However, its infrastructure is inadequate, leading to water overflow and flooding in residential areas. The civic body plans to raise canal walls and install chain link fencing to prevent garbage disposal.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
US $1 Billion for Odisha’s Renewable Energy Sector
HIF Global India has considered a significant investment of US $1 billion in Odisha's renewable energy sector. The company aims to establish a facility to produce electro fuel (e-fuel) and generate employment for over 250 people.
About 3.50 lakh tonnes of e-methanol will be produced annually, reducing carbon emissions by 95%. Welspun New Energy has also signed a pact to invest ₹13,500 crore for two clean energy projects — a 1,200 MW pumped hydro project and a 1,000 MW floating solar power project.
(Source: rediff.com, Business Standard)